Marcus Spears (defensive end) and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (safety) have both been placed on injured reserve (IR). The Cowboys replaced them with two defensive linemen; Jeremy Clark and Jimmy Saddler-McQueen.

For the first time this season the team practiced in full pads. Today was the team’s first practice under interim head coach Jason Garrett. Before today former head coach Wade Phillips had the players practice in shorts and shoulder pads. Garrett also encouraged the squad, telling them what was expected of them and insisting they hustle to their next practice activity rather than walk.

Cowboys linebackers Bradie James (knee) and Anthony Spencer (stinger) both missed practice, and of course, defensive end Sean Lissemore (ankle) and Tony Romo (clavicle) both still out.

Joe D. On Being Quitters

Coach Joe DeCamillis weighs in on the growing perception that the Cowboys are quitters,

“Yeah that’s not a good situation, no question about it, and we’ve just got to get it rectified. It’s a shame because there’s a lot of good, really tough guys that do it right and play hard, we’ve just got to get it reigned in and get that moniker off our guys, that’s for sure.”

Tuck This This In Your Pocket

Justin Tuck of the New York Giants made some interesting comments regarding the Cowboys:

Regarding the Offensive Line…

“Just a little bit more confusion, it seems like sometimes they’re not on the same page. When they are [on the same page], I’ve seen them move great. I don’t know what the case is as far as communication is. That’s the only thing I’ve seen differently.”

Regarding Sunday’s Matchup…

“It’s never difficult to get motivated to play the Cowboys. It’s a great rivalry. If the talent wasn’t there, it’d be a different story, but we understand this team can wake up. It’s kind of like a sleeping giant. You definitely don’t want to wake them up.”

What Are The Odds

Sportsbook.com posted gambling odds for who will be the Cowboys head coach to start the 2011-12 regular season. Of the 12 coaching options to place a wager on, Jon Gruden has the best odds at 2-1 while Tony Dungy and Brian Billick share the worst at 25-1.